Cybercriminals often exploit Facebook Messenger to pose as trusted friends and trick users into handing over money or personal data. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and secure.

Common Messenger Scams

Fake Grants and Prizes
- Scammers claim you’ve qualified for a grant or prize, but ask for upfront fees or personal details.
- Example: The “Global Greengrants Fund” scam.

Impersonation Scams
- Criminals pose as friends, family, or organizations to request money or sensitive information.
- Common tactics include fake emergency requests and “too good to be true” offers.

Malware Links
- Links that appear harmless but lead to malware downloads or phishing sites.

How to Spot and Avoid Scams

Beware of Unsolicited Requests
- Don’t trust messages offering money, grants, or loans out of the blue.
- Legitimate organizations rarely contact you this way without prior communication.

Guard Personal and Financial Information
- Never share account numbers, Social Security numbers, or passwords via Messenger.

Avoid Suspicious Links
- Hover over links to see their true destination. Watch for misspellings or unusual domains like ".ru" (Russia) or ".br" (Brazil).
- Example: Avoid “globallgrants.com” instead of “globalgrants.org.”

Don’t Open Unknown Attachments
- They might contain malware or phishing forms.

Verify Requests
- Call or message the person directly through another platform to confirm if they actually sent the message.

How to Protect Yourself

Change Your Password Regularly
- Use strong, unique passwords for your Facebook account to prevent hacking.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- Add a verification step (e.g., a code sent to your phone) to make it harder for hackers to access your account.

Keep Software Updated
- Enable auto-updates on your devices for the latest security patches.

Use Antivirus and Security Tools
- Install and regularly update antivirus programs and browser plug-ins that flag suspicious websites.

Turn On Privacy Features
- Use Facebook’s privacy and safety hub to block, report, and manage unwanted interactions.

Monitor Credit and Accounts
- Use credit monitoring and set up alerts for unusual account activity.

What to Do If You’re Scammed

• Report It: Notify Facebook immediately at [email protected].
• Block the Scammer: Prevent further interactions by blocking their account.
• Change Passwords: Update all affected account credentials.
• Set Up Credit Monitoring: Protect against identity theft if you shared personal data.

Quick Tips to Remember

• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.
• Avoid engaging with unsolicited messages or requests.
• Stay vigilant, and educate yourself and others about potential scams.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a safer online experience and protect yourself from cyber threats.

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